Components
Micro-Miniature Connectors
Amphenol Aerospace offers a series of rugged, micro-miniature connectors that provide more power throughput and consistent coupling by incorporating more electrical connections in compact form factor. Available in shell sizes from 5 to 23, the new high-density 2M Series weighs 72 percent less and is 52 percent smaller than standard MIL-DTL-38999 connectors. The connectors are intermateable and intermountable with existing micro-miniature high-density connectors typically used in aerospace and defense applications. The 2M Series maximizes SWaP (size, weight and power) in a variety of high-reliability, harsh environments.
Amphenol Aerospace,
www.amphenol-aerospace.com
Multiplexers
ADI introduced two multiplexers, ADG5206 and ADG5207, able to guarantee latch-up prevention in high-voltage industrial applications operating up to ±22 V. The low leakage (20 pA) feature ensures high accuracy and resolution. They operate from ±9 to ±22 V in applications where the analog signal is bipolar and from +9 to +40 V in applications where the analog signal is unipolar. They feature 3.5 pF off-source capacitance, 60 MHz –3 dB bandwidth, ultra-low charge injection (0.35 pC at 0 V) and source off leakage (400 pA at 125°C) performance.
Analog Devices Inc.,
www.analog.com
Connector and Cable Harness
Astrolab Inc. announced the release of a new 65 GHz multiple mate PCB connector and cable harness system. This system, Gigablock, was developed using the company’s rugged and patented microbend® cable assemblies that can be terminated with SMA, SMPM, SMP, 2.9mm (K) and 1.85mm connectors. This high density cable and connector solution maximizes system performance while minimizing its mass, volume and footprint.
Astrolab Inc.,
www.astrolab.com
Coaxial Cable Assemblies
Crystek has introduced a line of 26.5 GHz hand-formable coaxial cable assemblies, a new addition to its low-loss RF coaxial cables. Designed to operate from DC to 26.5 GHz, the hand-formable CCSMA26.5-MM-086 cable assemblies are ideally suited for jumpers, instrumentation and high-frequency interconnects. The 50 Ω cables provide an attenuation value of 1.40 dB/ft. at 26.5 GHz, and offer shielding effectiveness of greater than 100 dB with an operating temperature range of −40° to +85ºC. Electrically matched pairs are also available.
Crystek Corp.,
www.crystek.com
Module Chips
Ethertronics unveiled EtherChip 1.0™, the first in a series of building blocks for RF front-end module chips from the Ethertronics Chip Division to provide more “smarts” to antenna and RF systems. EtherChip 1.0 leverages Ethertronics’ Air InteRFace Digital Conditioning™ (AIRFDC™) technology to provide tuning capacitance, seamlessly adjusting the characteristics of a cellular antenna to its dynamic requirements – such as retuning for frequency shift, hand or head effects, or more bandwidth. EtherChip 1.0 is a silicon chip available for immediate integration by OEMs.
Ethertronics,
www.ethertronics.com
Analog-to-Digital Converters
The HMCAD1104 is a 10-bit octal channel ADC with low power and high performance. Operating at 65 MSPS, the HMCAD1104 delivers a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 61.6 dB, while dissipating only 30 mW of power per channel. The HMCAD1104 is pin compatible with Hittite’s family of 12-bit ADCs including the HMCAD1100, HMCAD1101 and HMCAD1102, all of which are compatible with the EasySuiteTM Test and Evaluation Tool for analysis and system configuration. The HMCAD1104 is specified for operation over the industrial temperature range of –40° to +85°C.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
www.hittite.com
Contact Clip
The Contact Clip KK-541 offers reliable contacting with flat connectors on the outer surface. Even contacting in rough test conditions using vibrations, contaminations and long test cycles, the KK-541 proves it is the most suitable due to its double spring clip structure. The Contact Clip is designed for flat connectors of 0.5 to 0.8 mm. Depending on the fitting, for example test fixtures or test plugs, there are two different versions available: press fit or screw in.
Ingun Pruefmittelbau GmbH,
www.ingun.com
Solid-State RF Switches
The 50S-1720 (1P2T), 50S-1721 (1P4T) and 50S-1722 (1P8T) are JFW’s newest line of PIN-diode RF switches. They boast an operating frequency from 0.5 to 18 GHz, 50 dB minimum isolation at 18 GHz, and a maximum switching speed of 100 nanoseconds. Their compact, self-terminating design makes them perfect for OEM and test applications where reliability, speed or bandwidth is critical. SMA female connectors and TTL control are standard, but other configurations may be available upon request. For more information, email: sales@jfwindustries.com.
JFW Industries,
www.jfwindustries.com
DC/DC Converter
Linear Technology announces the H-grade version of the LT3518. The LT3518 is a 45 V, high-side current sense DC/DC converter designed to drive high current LEDs at constant current. It has a 3 to 30 V input voltage range with transient protection to 40 V. The H-grade version operates with a junction temperature up to 150°C, compared to the E- and I-grade versions’ 125°C maximum junction temperature. The H-grade parts are tested and guaranteed to the maximum junction temperature of 150°C.
Linear Technology Corp.,
www.linear.com
Bridge Couplers
Marki Microwave presents the highest performance bridge couplers available on the market today. The CBR16-0003 and CBR16-0006 offer outstanding typical directivity of 40 dB, which is higher than any other coupler available and enables high accuracy forward and reflected power measurements. The CBR16-0012 offers 30 dB directivity from 200 kHz to 12 GHz, the broadest bandwidth available for such a high directivity coupler.
Marki Microwave,
www.markimicrowave.com
Mixers
Mini-Circuits MAC mixers employ a unique new design and a highly repeatable, tightly controlled, automated process that delivers industry-leading reliability at a remarkably affordable price. Schottky diode quads meeting the company’s strict specifications are bonded to a multilayer integrated LTCC substrate, then hermetically sealed under a controlled atmosphere with gold-plated covers and eutectic AuSn solder. These passive, double-balanced mixers have been tested to MIL requirements for gross leak, fine leak, thermal shock, vibration, acceleration, mechanical shock, and HTOL, and are backed with a three-year guarantee.
Mini-Circuits,
www.minicircuits.com
Four-Throw Switch
MITEQ’s ultra-broadband single-pole four-throw switch, model SW4-005400AN1NF, offers a wide frequency range of 0.5 to 40 GHz. This absorptive 40 GHz terminated switch has an insertion loss of only 7.5 dB maximum with an isolation of 60 dB minimum. This small, ultra-compact, wideband switch housing is available in both hermetic and non-hermetic packaging.
MITEQ,
www.miteq.com
Fixed Attenuators
Narda Microwave-East introduced the model 769A family of bidirectional coaxial fixed attenuators. All models in the 769A Series handle a maximum input power of 150 W average and 3 kW peak, have a maximum VSWR of 1.35:1 or less, weigh 3.3 lb. (1.5 kg), and have Type-N female connectors. Models with 3, 6 and 10 dB of attenuation have maximum attenuation deviation of ±0.4 dB to 2 GHz, and ±0.75 dB to 6 GHz. The 20 and 30 dB models have maximum attenuation deviation of ±0.5 dB to 2 GHz, and ±1 dB to 6 GHz.
Narda Microwave-East,
www.nardamicrowave.com/east
Modulator/Phase Shifter
Model PS-90-2040-SY is a miniature 0 to 180° bi-phase modulator/phase shifter with TTL control logic operating over a frequency range of 2856 MHz ±15 MHz. This model provides low loss of 1 dB maximum and offers a fast switching time of 50 nsec maximum. This model is designed to handle an input power level of 1 W. The unit measures 1.39" × 1.0" × 1.0". Other frequency ranges are available.
Planar Monolithics Industries,
www.pmi-rf.com
Waveguide Isolator
Raditek’s high power WR75 waveguide isolator is comprised of a circulator with a removable 400 W load. The load has small fins suitable for convection cooling. Standard specifications: 10.75 to 12.80 GHz, 0.3 dB insertion loss, 21 dB isolation, 1.22:1 VSWR, average power 400 W CW, peak power 2 Kilowatts, operating temperature 0 to 50°C. Circulator dimensions: 45 × 45 × 38.5 mm. Load dimensions: 180 × 75 × 75 mm.
Raditek,
www.raditek.com
Symmetric Switch
RFMD’s new RFSW6131 is a GaAs PHEMT single-pole three-throw (SP3T) switch designed for use in cellular, 3G, LTE and other high performance communications systems. It offers a symmetric topology with excellent linearity and power handling capability, while also 3 and 5 V positive logic compatible. It features LF to 6000 MHz operation; low loss: 0.5 dB (2 GHz); isolation: 27 dB (2 GHz); high IP3: 56 dBm; P0.1 dB: 31 dBm (5 V, 2.2 GHz); and DFN, 1.5 × 1.5 mm package. It is currently available in production quantities. Pricing begins at $0.60 each for 1000 pieces.
RFMD,
www.rfmd.com
SMA Switch
RLC Electronics’ Micro Miniature SMA switch is a single-pole two-position type. The switch incorporates SMA connectors to allow high density packaging and excellent electrical performance through 26.5 GHz. The switch is available in failsafe and latching configurations with a choice of three different frequency ranges and three different coil voltages. It has a power rating of RF cold switching, an impedance of 50 Ω and an operating power of 25°C (mA nominal), 5 V DC at 310 mA, 12 V DC at 130 mA, and 28 V DC at 75 mA.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
www.rlcelectronics.com
Receiving Coil
Vishay Intertechnology announced a new powdered-iron-based, WPC-compliant receiving coil for the wireless charging of 5 V portable electronics. Offering a durable construction and high permeability shielding, the new IWAS-3827EC-50 provides high efficiency greater than 70 percent for Rx applications to 10 W and is 33 percent smaller than the standard 48 × 32 mmIWAS-4832FF-50 Rx coil, with dimensions of 38 × 27 mm. As an alternative to Ferrite-based solutions the IWAS-3827EC-50 offers a magnetic saturation of 50 percent at 4000 gauss.
Vishay Intertechnology Inc.,
www.vishay.com
USB Powered Switches
The new Lab Brick product family has a 10 W power handling capability and offers reliable, high isolation, low power and low cost solid state switch products in both SPDT and SP4T configurations. The LSW Series Switches have manual, internal and external switch control capability and can be easily controlled and programmed directly from the included GUI or through the external control inputs. Easily programmable for ATE applications, the LSW Series Switches can also be used in WiMAX, 3G, LTE test platforms, and engineering and production test labs.
Vaunix Technology Corp.,
www.vaunix.com
Amplifiers
GaN SSPA
Aethercomm Inc. introduced a broadband, high power SSPA using GaN. This extremely large bandwidth operates from 20 to 6000 MHz. Model number SSPA 0.020-6.000-35 produces 20 to 80 W Psat typical across this frequency band. The amplifier design can be employed in high shock and vibration environments and is housed in a 2.5" (w) × 7.7" (l) × 1.4" (h) module. The SSPA 0.020-6.000-35 amplifier is designed for either pulsed or CW and is ideal for use in commercial and military platforms.
Aethercomm Inc.,
www.aethercomm.com
Amplifiers
MILMEGA, a Teseq company, has introduced the new AS0728 product range. Designed, in response to customer demands, to cover the test requirements within the wireless testing frequency bands, these 700 MHz to 2.8 GHz amplifiers are available in 25, 50, 100 and 170 W P1dB power levels.
MILMEGA,
www.teseq.com
Power Amplifier Modules
Richardson RFPD introduced a pair of highly linear and efficient, fully-matched power amplifier modules designed for Picocell, Femtocell and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) applications from ANADIGICS. Both devices are designed for WCDMA, HSDPAand LTE downlink air interfaces operating in the 2.11 to 2.17 GHz band. They are manufactured using an advanced InGaP HBT MMIC technology offering state-of-the-art reliability, temperature stability and ruggedness. The self-contained 7 × 7 × 1.3 mm surface mount packages incorporate RF matching networks optimized for output power, efficiency and linearity in 50 Ω systems.
Richardson RFPD Inc.,
www.richardsonrfpd.com
Low Noise Amplifiers
Skyworks introduces two new, enhancement mode LNAs that offer low noise figure, high linearity, and excellent return loss: The SKY67012-396LF (0.3 to 0.6 GHz) and SKY67013-396LF (0.6 to 1.5 GHz). On-die active bias design ensures consistent performance, enables unconditional stability, and simplifies external matching. These highly flexible and low power gallium arsenide PHEMT LNAs have a small form factor and very low current draw (5 mA) and wide input voltage range (1.8 to 5 V) capability.
Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
www.skyworksinc.com
Power Amplifier Module
This wideband GaAs amplifier module is ideal for CW or pulsed applications. It is very linear and highly efficient. Due to several state-of-the-art circuits, this unit is highly immune from damage due to any out of spec DC voltage conditions that may be applied. Its rugged construction guarantees fault-free operation in the most extreme environments. It features 5 W output power, 37 dB linear gain, rise and fall time < 1 usec, +12 V DC, 1.8 amps at 100 percent duty cycle, and is 5" × 2.5" × 0.51".
Triad RF Systems,
www.triadrf.com
Software
RF Design Software
A new version of the LINC2 Pro RF and microwave design, synthesis and simulation software suite has recently been released by ACS. Version 2.72 release R adds many new component models to the program’s extensive model library. These include more than 600 new capacitor models, 350 inductor models and a number of new active models including GaN power devices. The latest edition also offers enhanced schematic capture. Circuits can be entered manually or created automatically by a number of circuit synthesis modules.
Applied Computational Sciences (ACS),
www.appliedmicrowave.com
Test Calibration Software
Agilent introduced its fully integrated PCI Express® (PCIe®) 3.0 receiver test calibration and transmitter test software. The software provides an integrated environment for calibrating the stressed voltage and stressed receiver eye using an Agilent J-BERT bit error-ratio tester, an Agilent 90000A-, Q- or X-Series oscilloscope, an Agilent pulse function generator and Agilent PCI Express 3.0 calibration test channels. The software provides a receiver signal calibration test suite that allows engineers to set up a J-BERT N4903B bit error-ratio tester for performing PCIe 3.0 jitter tolerance testing under the PCIe 3.0 base specification.
Agilent Technologies Inc.,
www.agilent.com
Development Software
With TI’s KeyStone-based TMS320C665x multicore digital signal processors (DSP), developers more effectively meet the specialized gateway challenges of matching voice coding techniques, processing tone and signaling messaging, distinguishing facsimile from voice, converting legacy circuit switched connections to IP and managing and reporting voice quality. The TMS320C6654 DSP at 850 MHz supports up to 64 channels of G.729AB, while the TMS320C6655 DSP at 1 GHz supports up to 128 channels of G.729AB. The TMS320C6657 DSP at 1.25 GHz provides significant head room for applications requiring added density.
Texas Instruments Inc.,
www.ti.com
Test Equipment
Digital Radio Test System
Aeroflex introduced the 3550 digital radio test system featuring a color touch-screen. It is lightweight (8.3 lbs. including battery) for field-testing of analog, DMR, P25, NXDN, and dPMR systems, and features 4.5 hours of continuous operation with its internal battery. Uniquely, the 3550 test system allows the user to test all aspects of the radio system — the transmitter, receiver, cables, and antennas — with powerful features typically found only in bench top equipment. It has an operating range of -0 to +50ºC.
Aeroflex Inc.,
www.aeroflex.com
Simulation Models
Modelithics announced new simulation models for Coilcraft inductor families 132SM, 1812SMS, 1508/2508, 0906/1606 and 0806SQ/0807SQ/0908SQ. The highly-accurate measurement-based models are substrate and part-value scalable and support EM simulation. Datasheets give detailed information for each model, which are supported in Agilent ADS, Genesys and AWR Microwave Office. For more information, visit: www.modelithics.com/mvp/CoilCraft/.
Modelithics Inc.,
www.modelithics.com
Subsystems
USB Controlled Tuner
The diminuSys DWT-P909 is a compact, high dynamic range synthesized microwave tuner, spanning the 0.9 to 9 GHz band, with simple USB control, simultaneous non-inverting outputs at 900, 120 and 21.4 MHz, instantaneous bandwidth of 200 MHz and sub-octave preselection. Gain is adjustable from −40 to +20 dB with unity gain third order intercept point of +17 dBm. The DWT-P909 fulfills wideband tuning requirements for signal processors at popular IF frequencies and extends legacy receiver coverage to 9 GHz.
diminuSys,
www.diminusys.com
Sources
Coherent Frequency Synthesizer
Elcom’s UFS 18 low phase noise, coherent frequency synthesizer can now provide wideband coherent chirp waveforms at frequencies up to 18 GHz. Modulation bandwidth of ±100 MHz is possible. An IQ modulator capable of operating at a fixed frequency LO of 3 GHz and a baseband arbitrary AWG with IQ outputs is also required. With the new wideband IF Option 113A, any baseband waveform with a spectrum within DC to ±100 MHz will appear with high accuracy as modulation on the synthesizer’s carrier frequency.
FEI-Elcom Tech,
www.fei-elcomtech.com
GaAs MMIC Doubler
M/A-COM Tech introduced a GaAs MMIC doubler for VSAT applications. The XX1010-QT is an active doubler in a RoHS compliant 3 × 3 mm 16-lead plastic QFN package that delivers +20 dBm output saturated power (Pout) and 35 dBc fundamental suppression. Using a GaAs PHEMT process, the XX1010-QT covers the 14.625 to 15/29.25 to 30 GHz frequency bands and integrates a gain stage, doubler and driver amplifier into a single device. The device has a self-bias configuration, requiring only a positive 5 V supply.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc.,
www.macomtech.com
Signal Sources
The XMN and XMNP Series of 200 MHz to
3 GHz ultra low noise multiplied signal sources integrate an OCXOF with a low-noise frequency multiplier to give an output with a low phase noise floor – typically equivalent to –183 dBc/Hz at the oscillator’s frequency. For example, the phase noise floor of a 1.2 GHz output derived from 120 MHz is typically –163 dBc/Hz.
Pascall Electronics Ltd.,
www.pascall.co.uk
Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator
Rakon launched a new ultra low noise crystal oscillator with unparalleled phase noise performance. The LNO 100 series at 100 MHz offers outstanding guaranteed phase noise levels of −165 dBc/Hz at 1 KHz and −178 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz. The LNO also provides rapid warm-up, excellent temperature stability and low g-sensitivity. Available in various sizes (from 51 × 51 × 25 mm down to 25 × 25 × 12 mm), in SMD or through hole packages and with SMA connectors.
Rakon,
www.rakon.com